Page 35 of Becoming One

Nodding Ezra replied, “Yes. However, Orion has asked if each of you might spare some of your Crimson Corps men to assist ours to make sure all entrances and exits are covered as well as to patrol the outer areas?”

“Absolutely,” Enoch answered.

“Of course,” the others said in agreement.

“I also wanted to know if you’ve had a chance to see the list of your coven members for possible slots in the Kaliss police department?” Ezra asked.

The three men nodded.

Ezra then asked, “I am ready to hear any arguments you may have about any of the chosen.”

All the Scions shook their heads, Enoch saying, “I really hate losing any of my coven, but if this is what they want, I’m happy for them.”

“Heskel, what about you?” Ezra asked.

“There is one name on your list that surprised me. Trust me, I would love to hand the man over to you, but you are the Re and I don’t know if he is the best choice for your coven,” Heskel stated.

“Who and why?” Orion asked.

“Sabien Maxwell. He is not one to take orders. The man has caused me more grief than any other coven member I have. His family died when he was a kid. Another family took him in and he was trouble from day one. I’ve tried to talk to the man, but he is a stubborn ass and I just don’t see that he would be any good to you,” Heskel stated.

Nelson asked, “How did this family he was sent to treat him?”

“What?” Heskel asked in confusion.

“You said he lost his family at an early age. He was then placed with a family. Did he know them? Did they treat him like one of the family? Or was he just a kid theyhadto take care of until he was old enough to go off on his own?” Nelson asked.

Heskel quickly said, “They didn’t beat him if that’s what you’re asking.”

“It’s not,” Nelson said in return. “You see, my parents died when I was young. I was left with three brothers to take care of. Now, because they were family, you know they were loved and they grew up happy. However, I was angry. I felt abandoned and kicked in the teeth. I was a kid damn it. I shouldn’t have been put in that situation, but I was. It was bullshit and unfair to all of us. I did a lot of stupid shit and eventually it cost me a much higher price than I ever could have dreamt of.”

“I’m sorry that happened to you… I really am. Sabien has no other family. There was a family who took in strays. I placed him there. I can only tell you he was not mistreated, and he was provided with food, clothing, and shelter. I can’t answer for the other stuff,” Heskel replied.

Nelson shook his head. “You can be a real asshole, you know that? As a Scion it is your responsibility to make sure all your coven members are cared for at all times… especially a child.”

“I did that. I’m a busy man. I don’t have time to go to every one of my members to make sure they are hugged,” Heskel snapped.

Orion stepped forward. “Do not speak to my mate like that or I will show you what it means to be the Regal to the Cyprian covens.”

“He called me an asshole. That is disrespecting a Scion and punishable by twenty lashes if I choose,” Heskel snarled.

“I didn’t know it was disrespectful to call it like I see it… especially when it’s true. He was a boy and he needed you. Ezra meets with his people every day. His doors are always open to his people. I know because I make the man’s schedule. He eats in the cafeteria with them at least once a day. Ezra knows every man, woman, and child in his coven. Can you say the same? I highly doubt it. So, you try and bring out the whips on me and I swear on my own life and that of my mate, I will bring your ass down before you can bring back that whip. Just ask Fallon and his army,” Nelson snarled.

Heskel’s eyes widened. “You? It was you who took out… no… that isn’t possible.”

Ezra stepped forward. “It’s more than possible, it’s a fact. I know because I was there. Heskel, have Sabien report to my office first thing in the morning. He will be transferred to my coven immediately and I will decide what position he will hold.”

“Ezra, come on. The man wouldn’t even try out for my own Crimson army,” Heskel said in exasperation.

“Yet, he did try out to be Ezra’s new Dire. Now that tells me it isn’t so much that he doesn’t want to climb the ladder of life, as much as he doesn’t want to be a part of your coven,” Orion stated, not taking his eyes off of the Scion.

Heskel’s brows crinkled in confusion. “You really think that’s the case?”

“Heskel, I have known you for centuries. You are a friend and good man. If there is extra assistance you need within your coven, then ask for it. Bring in an assistant if you wish, to help with menial tasks. That goes for all of you. How about, before you leave we all get together and talk about adding positions of help for each of you. I have a Regal and an assistant as well as my Imperial Guard, who help the Crimson Corps when needed. Maybe there are a few ideas to help you and yours,” Ezra stated with understanding.

Heskel nodded. “I think that might be a good idea.”

“In the meantime, we have to hope the mage hasn’t already put a new face on Nicu,” Enoch muttered.